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Installation Guide
Installation Guide
Introduction to BS5839 Part 1, 2002 BS5839 part 1 is a code of practice for Fire Alarm system design, installation and
servicing for fire detection for general buildings. The standards have been revised and are effective from mid July 2003.
A fire alarm system is generally required to be installed as part of fire certificate required by the Fire Precautions Act or the
workplace regulations after an audit of a fire risk assessment.
The decision of whether a fire alarm system is required or the type of category should not normally be the responsibility of the
designer, customer/installer. The local authorities should take these decisions for enforcing legislation in buildings. With all fire alarm
systems there should be an exchange of information and decision process a typical example would be.
When sufficient information and level of category has been obtained then the fire alarm system can be designed.
System Design
• Purchaser specifies the category of fire alarm system, this would have been provided by the local authorities, if required
the designer can propose a category.
• System to be designed
• Consultation
• Any variation of the British Standards to be agreed.
• System proposal to be approved by all parties.
Property Protection
• Type P1: Property protection, automatic detection installed throughout the protected building.
• Type P2: Property protection, automatic detection in designated areas.
Life Protection
• Call points should be fitted in conspicuous and easily accessible points on escape routes, mounted at 1.4 metres +/- 0.2m
above floor level.
• Call points should be located at the exits to the open air and all storey exits on each floor.
• You should not have to travel more than 45 metres to operate a call point or 25 metres in any special hazards or high-risk
areas.
Zoning
Detectors
Smoke Detection
There are different types of smoke detectors:- optical/multi-sensor, Ionisation and beam detectors.
Optical: Optical smoke detectors operate on the principal of infra red light refracting off smoke particles entering the chamber. This
makes this type of detector more sensitive to smouldering fires such as modern fabrics or furnishings. Optical detectors are more
prone to false alarms from steam or dusty environments (outside bathroom/building works).
Beam Detectors: Beam detectors comprise of a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter emits an infra red beam from the TX
(transmitter) to the RX (Receiver), the beam detects obscuration by the smoke.
Ionisation: Ionisation detectors operate on the principal of charred smoke particles passing between two electrodes causing a small
current flow. This makes this type of detector more suitable for fast flaming fires such as paper/wood. Ionisation detectors are more
prone to false alarms from burning smell i.e. outside a kitchen.
Heat Detection
There are two main types, rate of rise & fixed temperature.
Rate of rise heat detectors will respond to a sudden increase in temperature but also have a fixed element in case of a slow
smouldering fire. Rate of rise detectors are most suitable for areas where a smoke detector is undesirable i.e. staff room.
Fixed temperature heat detectors have a sensing element fixed at a particular temperature, when this is reached, the detector
operates. Fixed temperature is ideal for kitchens, boiler room where a rate of rise heat detector would be unsuitable.
Spacing Of Detectors
If the system category requires automatic detection in areas where there is a void greater than 800mm then fire detection should also
be provided in the void. Voids less than 800mm generally do not need to be covered with the following exception.
• If a fire or smoke can spread especially between rooms or compartments before detection.
• Or there is high risk which should be determined by a risk assessment as to warrant protection in the voids.
Ceiling Heights
• As the time taken for smoke and heat to reach the detector increases with ceiling height, the code has recommended
limitations to automatic detection.
Audible Alarms
• One sounder should be located near the control panel or entrance on a separate circuit. Addressable systems should be
wired from the control to a sounder protected by a short circuit isolator.
• All the sounders should sound similar to avoid confusion.
• A minimum of 65 dB is required in general areas or 5 dB above any background noise which persists for more than 30
seconds.
• Were high noise levels exist, visual indication such as strobes may be required.
• Where sleeping people are to be woken then 75 dB is required at the bedhead.
• A loss of 30 dB per door should be allowed for, to guarantee 75 dB at the bedhead a sounder per bedroom is
recommended.
• For areas where there are people with impaired hearing the approval of devices for people with impaired hearing would be
the subject of consultation with the users.
• The decibel level decreases -6dB from a sounder every time the distance is doubled as per below. This is just a general
rule, this does not take in to consideration doors absorption (warehouse full of cardboard boxes) and weather conditions.
Control Equipment
• The equipment should be generally accessible on the ground floor next to the entrance to the building to enable the
occupier and the fire brigade to quickly identify the zone in fire.
• A plan of the building should be displayed close to the control panel showing entrances, escape routes and zones.
• Operating instructions and logbook should be available.
Power Supplies
• The power supply for the control panel should be exclusive to the fire alarm system.
• This should be secured from unauthorised use and labelled FIRE ALARM DO NOT SWITCH OFF.
• Upon a mains failure the batteries should continue to power the system for a minimum of 24 hours plus 30 minutes alarm
duration after that.
• For an L category system 24 hour battery backup is sufficient, unless otherwise requested.
• For unoccupied premises the battery backup should be up to 72 hour plus the 30 minute alarm duration. For over 72 hours
the system should be monitored by a central station.
• All cables for the fire alarm system should be fire proof including the mains supply, these are split in to two
categories, standard and enhanced. The standard cable should be a soft skinned type cable and the enhanced should be
an MICC type cable. Please check with the cable manufacturers for compliance with
the British Standards.
• For the majority of installations the standard cable will be adequate, for further details please contact the Alpha Fire
Systems on:- 01634 351011.
Certification
There are a number of certificates required for a fire alarm installation, these are follows:
• Design Certificate
• Installation Certificate
• Commissioning Certificate
• Verification Certificate
• Acceptance Certificate
• Alteration Certificate
• Test Certificate
Limitations Of Use
This basic guide is for guidance only and whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information given is accurate, reference
should be made to the current standard. No responsibility can be taken for errors and omissions. The guide does not cover radio
linked systems.